Flag of Italy

The Italian flag, known as the Tricolore, is the official symbol of the Italian Republic. It consists of three vertical stripes of equal width: green, white and red. The flag represents national unity, the country’s rich history, and the values of freedom and independence. As with other tricolors, the Italian flag has standardized colors, proportions, and order of use.

History of the Italian flag

The Italian tricolor has its roots in the struggle for the unification of the country. Its design is inspired by the French tricolor, which became a symbol of revolution and freedom.

The origin of the tricolor

• The colors green, white, and red first appeared in 1797 during the creation of the Cispadan Republic, a state formed under the influence of Napoleon. The military flag of the Cispadan Republic consisted of three horizontal stripes of these colors.
• The colors reflected the revolutionary spirit and connection with France, but also symbolized the natural wealth and historical heritage of the Italian regions.

Flag of the united Italy

• In 1848, during the struggle for the unification of Italy (Risorgimento), the tricolor became a symbol of the national movement. It was used as a military flag by various rebel groups.
• In 1861, after the unification of Italy, the tricolor became the official flag of the Kingdom of Italy.
• In 1946, after the referendum that proclaimed Italy a republic, the flag retained its design, except for the royal coat of arms, which was removed.

Colors of the Italian flag

Meaning of the colors

The colors of the Italian flag have several interpretations, both historical and modern:

1. Green:
   • Symbolizes hope and the fertile lands of Italy.
   • In a religious context, it is associated with faith.
2. White:
   • It represents the snow of the Alps, purity and unity.
   • In Christianity, it is a symbol of nobility and mercy.
3. Red:
   • It is a symbol of the shed blood of patriots who fought for freedom.
   • In religious terms, it symbolizes love.

Color codes

To ensure that the flag is displayed accurately, colors are officially defined in different systems.

1. Green:
   • RGB: (0, 146, 70)
   • HEX: #009246
   • CMYK: (100, 0, 91, 0)
   • Pantone: 356 C
2. White:
   • RGB: (255, 255, 255)
   • HEX: #FFFFFF
   • CMYK: (0, 0, 0, 0)
   • Pantone: White
3. Red:
   • RGB: (206, 43, 55)
   • HEX: #CE2B37
   • CMYK: (0, 91, 76, 6)
   • Pantone: 186 C

Format and proportions

The Italian flag has a strictly defined format to ensure the accuracy of its image.

Flag proportions

The proportions of the Italian flag are 2:3. This means that the height of the flag is equal to two-thirds of its width. Vertical stripes divide the flag into three equal parts.

The arrangement of the stripes

The order of the flag colors (from left to right):

1. Green stripe – on the side of the flagpole.
2. White stripe – in the center.
3. The red stripe is at the edge.

If the flag is used vertically, the green stripe should be at the top (or left, depending on the orientation).

Interesting facts about the flag of Italy

1. The design of the Italian flag is largely inspired by the French tricolor, but the colors are chosen in accordance with Italian traditions.
2. During the fascist regime, the flag remained unchanged, but it was often used together with the symbols of the fascist party.
3. Italian Flag Day, January 7, has been officially celebrated annually since 1997.

The Italian flag is an important symbol of national pride and unity. Its colors embody the country’s rich history, cultural heritage and natural beauty. Today, the tricolor proudly represents Italy on the international stage, reminding us of its struggle for freedom and independence.